Battling a Modernist and heretical Priest

[Cinette]

Harsh? The truth is harsh. The laws of the Church are harsh. Try telling anyone who is openly pro-choice that they are not allowed to receive communion otherwise it’s a mortal sin. They will probably think you’re harsh. Broad open thinking? Jesuits have a reputation for their Marxist, liberal thinking. And you don’t need to attend University in order to “grow and explore.” You can grow and explore in every facet of life.

Law, whether religious or non-religious, is absolute and BLACK AND WHITE. Other matters may be grey.

Let me explain something. I’ve already had to exit my comfort zone. This is not the first time I’ve had to battle heretics. I attended a Baptist high school. When I was in high school, I knew that I was Catholic, but I didn’t know why I believed what I believed. As the Baptists took me on, it became necessary for me to analyze my beliefs and ask “Why does the Catholic Church teach this?”

So, the point is, I’m not afraid that the topics the priest brings up in class will somehow shatter my belief system and make me question my beliefs. I’ve already questioned my beliefs. They are firm now because of my scrutiny. Which is why it is my duty to fight this tide of compromise and end the heterdoxy that is being spewed toxically in that class. As one poster had said, if I don’t do this, if I do nothing, he will continue to spread his heresy in the coming semesters, and prey upon Catholics who don’t know too much about their faith. Then those Catholics will adopt his teachings, most likely.

I do not fear differences in opinion. The only thing I fear is the destruction that this priest and others like him are doing to the Faithful.

Wow! Ulm can learn a thing or two from you! I am proud of you - let them take you on, you can defend yourself and the Church very nicely.

You don’t need our advice - you can give us advice!

I have no doubt whatsoever that you will do a lot of good in that classroom and help the other students and the others that follow. Please keep us updated.

:yup: :yyeess: :yyeess:

 

[Cinette]

I do not agree with you.

I have shown that the priest is propagating heresy. And I want to know what actions I can take to stop him.

So, since you disagree with me, no offense, you can’t offer me much help here. And since you disagree with me, you can’t really offer me advice on what next steps to take. I would say your job is done here.

If you want the last word, you can have it. If you think you’re right and I’m wrong because you’ve lived longer than I have, and if that makes you feel better, than go on and think that. But I will tell you, and it’s not my opinion, you are wrong when you say, “teachings and interpretations of the teachings are diverse. You have your own and your professor has his. Neither is wrong.” In fact, I will tell you, that line of thinking is condemned in PASCENDI.

My interpretation of the teachings are not my own. They are the Church’s interpretation of Her OWN teachings, and those teachings are infallible. Like it says in I Peter, it is not up to private interpretation.

Good for you! My messages will come out one after the other - I am on the other side of the world and you may be just getting up and preparing for classes.

Why do I think you must be a woman? :extrahappy:

 

[Cinette]

I agree, we will not convince each other anything at this point.

Actually, the teachings are not infallible. Infallibility has always been looked down upon on the Church. It has been a fallible human institution for many centuries run by fallible people. Papal Infallibility is rarely used and only came about recently and has was very controversial when it was introduced.

Everything is open to private interpretation, that is how many grow in spirituality, through questioning and examining what is said and how it came about and the reasons it came about when it came about. The Church is not a monolithic institution with only one take it or leave it interpretation. We have a Billion people with different opinions worldwide just in the present, many more if you go through 2000+ years of history.

Knowing something can be fallible does not always invalidate it, it allows a growth in wisdom to know the limitations as it relates to the real world.

I wish you well in your future studies and hope your class remains in peace through the rest of the semester.

I trust Jesus and believe the H Spirit has prevented the Church from falling into error. There are heresies and the Magisterium has done a stirling job of fighting this.

I think we should make a distinction between Dogma and opinions. Sure we all have different opinion - as diverse as DNA but the Truth is NOT a matter of opinion - ever!

I am a revert and have embraced Communism and secular ideas but now that I am back I am doing my best to learn as much as I can and when I meet priests that expound such ideas I react - make no mistake.

Missionaries of the 21st are the Laity. The Laity is a force to be reckoned with and I admire the OP and her/his stand very much.

Look at my signature with the quote from St Augustine. I think it applies here.

Jesus also told us to have faith like little children. :yup: :juggle:

 

[Cinette]

TO THOSE CATHOLICS WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN SATAN - PLEASE NOTE;

The 4th Lateran Council teaches:

"The devil and other demons were created by God, good by nature but they became bad through their own fault. God did not create the Devil but a pure angelic spirit called Lucifer (Isiaah 14:12) who rebelled against God and was condemned to hell with other angels he had seduced - Luke 10:18 Jude 1:6, 2 Pet 2:4 Rev12:7-9. :crying:

Have we forgotten the wonderful words in the Easter Exsulted :

“What good would life have been to us had Christ not come as our Redeemer - Father how wonderful your care for us… Oh happy fault Oh necessary sin of Adam which gainded for us so great a Redeemer.”

:yup:

 

[buffalo]

Here is how it plays out.

I am a Professor (a god). I have degrees and research papers up the gazoo.

So the students are influenced by the stature of the prof.

Here is what the Church teaches and here is what you should believe. In the way he presents it he comes off as intelligent and the Magisterium as outdated and stodgy (if he even references it).

If you are student who cannot defend the faith you are a victim.

 

[Cinette]

Here is how it plays out.

I am a Professor (a god). I have degrees and research papers up the gazoo.

So the students are influenced by the stature of the prof.

Here is what the Church teaches and here is what you should believe. In the way he presents it he comes off as intelligent and the Magisterium as outdated and stodgy (if he even references it).

If you are student who cannot defend the faith you are a victim.

Jesus said that we must have a childlike Faith - He is not interested in degrees and all the knowledge in the world. Didn’t he say something about the sum of a knowledgeable human being is nothing compared to His knowledge - I am aware that I am way off track here but you will probably know the verse and can help me here.

 

[Apocalypse_12]

UPDATE

This is urgent news.

To all who have read my thread and posted, thank you for your advice, your comments, your prayers, and encouragement. I have taken them into serious consideration and have taken some of your advice in how to proceed in this matter.

Talk is over. Action is now required.

And I’ll tell you why:

A few days ago, I emailed the priest asking him to stop spreading heterodox teaching in a Catholic Tradition class and to let the class know that these are his opinions and not official Church teaching. I gave him a non-threatening ultimatum. I said that if it continues, I will take action against him by reporting him to the Diocese and to his superiors.

When I wrote the email, I MADE SURE that the email didn’t sound threatening.

Yesterday, I receive an email from Academic Affairs saying that I *NEED *to schedule an appointment with them ASAP in regards to my Catholic Tradition class.

That is REALLY BAD.

In case you don’t see what I’m getting at, the priest forwarded my email to Academic Affairs as a threatening gesture.

This could get me kicked out of the school.

It is obvious that the priest *KNOWS *what he’s doing is wrong, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone on the defensive like this.

I’ve set up an appointment with Academic Affairs because failure to do so will hurt my case. I’m also not attending classes until my meeting with Academic Affairs for legal reasons.

My mother will be accompanying me . She has insisted on coming because she feels this is an ambush by the priest to put ME on the defensive and get me in serious trouble by saying something like, “He threatened me.”

We will make our case that he has strayed from the Course Description, injected his opinions, and we are wasting money (well over a thousand dollars) on a college class that is primarily him teaching his opinions and *NOT *Catholic Tradition.

I need to be careful to let Academic Affairs know that I have no personal agenda against the priest. He is acting unprofessionally and teaching the class in an improper manner and that is what I’m against.

So priority number one is to set things straight with Academic Affairs.

Next step is to gain support. I will talk to my parish priest, write and call my Diocesan bishop, and I also would like to get in contact with the Catholic League.

If there are any other organizations you might know whose mission it is to stop heterodox teaching in Catholic schools, let me know.

I’ve got to be honest. I’m boiling here. Maybe I did something wrong. Perhaps I could have approached the situation in a different way.

There is no reason for him to be acting like this. I would like to make decisions with a mind of clarity because if I don’t, it will hurt my cause.

I’m a little under the wire here. I ask for your prayers and your honest (name removed by moderator)ut as it already has been valuable thus far.

 

[Cinette]

UPDATE

This is urgent news.

To all who have read my thread and posted, thank you for your advice, your comments, your prayers, and encouragement. I have taken them into serious consideration and have taken some of your advice in how to proceed in this matter.

Talk is over. Action is now required.

And I’ll tell you why:

A few days ago, I emailed the priest asking him to stop spreading heterodox teaching in a Catholic Tradition class and to let the class know that these are his opinions and not official Church teaching. I gave him a non-threatening ultimatum. I said that if it continues, I will take action against him by reporting him to the Diocese and to his superiors.

When I wrote the email, I MADE SURE that the email didn’t sound threatening.

Yesterday, I receive an email from Academic Affairs saying that I *NEED *to schedule an appointment with them ASAP in regards to my Catholic Tradition class.

That is REALLY BAD.

In case you don’t see what I’m getting at, the priest forwarded my email to Academic Affairs as a threatening gesture.

This could get me kicked out of the school.

It is obvious that the priest *KNOWS *what he’s doing is wrong, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone on the defensive like this.

I’ve set up an appointment with Academic Affairs because failure to do so will hurt my case. I’m also not attending classes until my meeting with Academic Affairs for legal reasons.

My mother will be accompanying me . She has insisted on coming because she feels this is an ambush by the priest to put ME on the defensive and get me in serious trouble by saying something like, “He threatened me.”

We will make our case that he has strayed from the Course Description, injected his opinions, and we are wasting money (well over a thousand dollars) on a college class that is primarily him teaching his opinions and *NOT *Catholic Tradition.

I need to be careful to let Academic Affairs know that I have no personal agenda against the priest. He is acting unprofessionally and teaching the class in an improper manner and that is what I’m against.

So priority number one is to set things straight with Academic Affairs.

Next step is to gain support. I will talk to my parish priest, write and call my Diocesan bishop, and I also would like to get in contact with the Catholic League.

If there are any other organizations you might know whose mission it is to stop heterodox teaching in Catholic schools, let me know.

I’ve got to be honest. I’m boiling here. Maybe I did something wrong. Perhaps I could have approached the situation in a different way.

There is no reason for him to be acting like this. I would like to make decisions with a mind of clarity because if I don’t, it will hurt my cause.

I’m a little under the wire here. I ask for your prayers and your honest (name removed by moderator)ut as it already has been valuable thus far.

I think you are very clear thinking and wise and that ALL the steps you have taken are cautious and appropriate. This Jesuit Priest doesn’t sound very intelligent. I think that his action will be in your favour.

Good that your Mother is coming along also. You are no doubt articulate and knowledgeable enough to conduct your own defense very well. All you have to do is pray, stand firm, keep eye contact, show your Faith and your passion and you should be just fine.

I wish my daughters were as you are. I shall say a prayer for you.

 

[The_Prodigal]

What indication were you given that you could be expelled?

What did Academic Affairs say in their letter to you?

Perhaps the Catholic League could help.

 

[Dempsey1919]

I’m sorry to hear this. Would you be able to share portions of the letter with us? It will enable us to help you come up with a defence.

You need to make sure to get your facts straight before going into the meeting. Demonstrate that the priest is teaching heresy and prove to them that you were charitable towards him. Also state that it is your right to complain if you are being taught incorrectly. Stress the fact that you were not being aggressive or threatening in any manner; you were simply voicing your concerns.

 

[buffalo]

I’m sorry to hear this. Would you be able to share portions of the letter with us? It will enable us to help you come up with a defence.

You need to make sure to get your facts straight before going into the meeting. Demonstrate that the priest is teaching heresy and prove to them that you were charitable towards him. Also state that it is your right to complain if you are being taught incorrectly. Stress the fact that you were not being aggressive or threatening in any manner; you were simply voicing your concerns.

or Thomas More, but the Catholic League will certainly get you media coverage.

 

[Dempsey1919]

Maybe I did something wrong. Perhaps I could have approached the situation in a different way.

The priest would have responded to any opposition negatively. The only way you could have maintained good relations with this priest is by remaining silent and allowing him to teach error. The priest would have done this to anybody who dared to criticise his faulty theology.

The priest has done this in order to put you on the defensive. He hit you first, for want of a better expression. As long as you haven’t been aggressive, intimidating, or threatening I really wouldn’t worry. You cannot be punished for trying to do the right thing.

It is really important that you display no animosity whatsoever towards the priest during the meeting. Do not label him a heretic, or a modernist, or even heterodox. Just demonstrate that his teaching, or his interpretation goes against Catholic teaching. I would recommend that you provide evidence from the Catechism etc.

Explain that you only sent the email to the priest because you were concerned that your faith was being damaged by his teaching. State that you were becoming confused over certain doctrines because you had previously been taught differently by your own parish priest etc.

Also, challenge them to show you what was threatening in your email? If they cite the references to reporting him to the bishop and his superiors, state that it is your right to express your opinion.

I hope this helps.

PS Pray a lot.

 

[Ruthie]

I’m not sure this is an area they battle, but try the St. Joseph Foundation. They will certainly fight for you if that committee tries to make it wrong for you to contact the Bishop.

I would also bring your computer with you, so you can show them the full text of the e-mail. He may have edited it somewhat.

God bless you in your fight. I’ll pray for you - and that heterodox priest.

Ruthie

 

[Nickkname]

In the spirit of encyclicals Lamentabili Sane and Pascendi Dominici Gregis and the Anti-Modernist Oath authored by Pope St. Pius X, I ask this question.

First, to point out, that according to PASCENDI, anyone who says the doctrine or dogma evolves and changes is a modernist and is guilty of heresy.

That being said, let me give a background to my situation.

I attend a private Catholic university. One of its core requirements for graduation is that you take 6 credits of Religion classes.

One of those Religion classes, I’m taking this semester. It is a Catholic Traditions class, and it is taught by a Jesuit priest.

Much of his teaching is very opinionated and has strayed very far from the Course Description. I would say that most of the class is the students read the material, and the Priest gives us his opinion on the material rather than what Church teaching states on the issues in the material.

The fact is, he is propagating heretical statements in class, and he has no authority to do that, both as a priest and as a university professor.

For example, he has stated that “Personally, I do not believe in Satan.” This opinion kept to himself is one thing, but promoting it in class even though it’s against Church teaching is another.

Also, he has said that “serious modifications were made to the Council of Trent by the Second Vatican Council.”

And this is not true. To modify means to partially change. And since, according to St. Pius X, dogma does not evolve or change and infallible teachings are immutable, the priest is guilty of heresy because he is saying that Vatican 2 “changed things.”

I can go on and on about all the heretical statements he’s made, but the point is that he is making them.

Since he is guilty of heresy, and publicly holds these beliefs, he is automatically excommunicated.

I’m tired of the rampant liberalism and modernism at my school, because it calls itself a Catholic university, and feel that it is my duty as a Catholic to report these incidents not only to the school but to Church authorities.

I want to end this charade, but I do not know how. What would be my first step to battle the blatant heterodoxy from this priest?

ps-emailing him telling him to stop doesn’t work. I’ve done that already and he only replies “Thank you for your comments” each time.

Christians do not battle flesh and blood but rather demons.

Pray for the Priest.

 

[Apocalypse_12]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been trying to get back to everyone’s questions, but I haven’t had the time. I will respond and update you as soon as I can.

I’ve talked with my parish priest who’s the pastor. He has read my emails and the Jesuit priest’s emails. He has offered to come with me to the meeting, but first I want to find out what the meeting is about because Academic Affairs has not said yet. I don’t want my pastor to have tag along for nothing.

My mom will be calling them tomorrow to find out the purpose of the meeting.

I especially would like to thank Cinette for her posts and kindness for they have been a great encouragement to me.

 

[JReducation]

As a former professor of theology at a Catholic college I can tell you of my experience. The committee will want to hear your concerns. They will not be unkind. That’s not their usual style. They probably will not tell you what they are going to do. That’s not their usual style either. So don’t be frustrated by their silence. They mean no harm. They have to be very careful how they respond to student complaints about a faculty member, because they receive such complaints from many disgruntled students. Their first job is to ascertain that you’re not one of them.

Usually, this goes from that committee to the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean has the authority to review any professor’s syllabus and if the professor is deviating from the syllabus, the Dean has the right to demand an explanation to his or her satisfaction.

This process takes time.

You said that this college is a Benedictine college. The legal status of the college is ambiguous. There are two kinds of Catholic colleges and unviversities. Some are owned by the Church and the Church has authority over them. Usually, the local bishop is the chancellor. The religious run it for the Church, in this case the Benedictine abbey.

The other legal status of a college is that it may be the property of the Benedictine abbey. In that case, the local bishop has no jurisdiction. The Abbot has the same power as a bishop. Therefore, he is the Ordinary over the Abbey and the college. The Abbot does not answer to the Bishop. He only answers to the Holy See.

The fact that the professor is a Jesuit does not enter into the equation, because this college is not owned by the Jesuits. He is an employee of the college, not a shareholder, as may be the Benedictine monks, if they own the college.

I’m sharing this information so that you are aware of the structure and how the chain of command works.

As to the promise of fidelity that Pope Benedict XVI has reinstated, it only applies to Pontifical Universities and those Universities owned by the local diocese. It does not apply to universities owned by exempt religious orders. It is up to the Superior General and the General Council of exempt religious orders to require it of their theologians, because the Holy Father chose NOT to impose his authority over the exempt orders.

Pope Benedict XVI is very clear that he will not interfere in the internal affairs of exempt orders. This was clear in the Motu Proprio with regards to the liturgy. The reason for this is because one of the charisms of some orders is that they are free of the authority of the local bishop and the influence of the laity. This has been done by the Vatican to protect religious orders from the laity, especially political presure that may come from the laity or the local bishop.

Any concerns regarding the actions of an exempt religious order must be submitted to the Sacred Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes. Even the Congregation on the Faith cannot discipline exempt religious. They can issue a statement to the Superior General. Only if there is an obvious breech of fidelity to the Church can the Roman congregations act against an entire community, but they never act in isolated cases.

In the case of the Benedictines, there is no Superior General. Every Benedictine Abbey is autonomous. The Benedictines are not one order. They follow the Rule of St. Benedict as independent autonomous congregations.

I tell you this not to discourage you, but in the hope that you will not be frustrated if your concern does not get too far. The process is very complicated if the school belongs to the Benedictines.

Usually, the President of the University has the final word over a school. Rarely does a religious superior step in on issues within the school. He may have the authority to do so; but that depends on the charter of the school. Every charter is different.

I don’t envy you or the committee. Just be honest about your concerns. Honesty has nothing for which to apologize. If they tell you that there is nothing that they can do, ask if you can be exempted from taking this course and if you can take another course in religious studies to meet your graduation requirements. Some schools will allow you to do this.

You are in my prayers.

Fraternally,

JR

 

[Apocalypse_12]

JReducation,

I get that I’m small.

It’s no surprise to me that the Church is just one big bureaucracy, and I never expected this to be an easy process.

I appreciate the information that you provided.

I’m laying the groundwork now.

One thing I will NOT do: I will not ask to be exempted from the course and take another one in its stead so the priest can CONTINUE to spread his heresy throughout the coming years.

 

[Cinette]

JReducation,

I get that I’m small.

It’s no surprise to me that the Church is just one big bureaucracy, and I never expected this to be an easy process.

I appreciate the information that you provided.

I’m laying the groundwork now.

One thing I will NOT do: I will not ask to be exempted from the course and take another one in its stead so the priest can CONTINUE to spread his heresy throughout the coming years.

Spoken like a good Catholic woman! I am praying all will be well and that the priest is censured and disciplined - he should do an Ignatian retreat to sort out his mind.

This is very serious because he has a responsibility to teach the truth.

God bless

 

[Dempsey1919]

One thing I will NOT do: I will not ask to be exempted from the course and take another one in its stead so the priest can CONTINUE to spread his heresy throughout the coming years.

Do not leave this course. The lecturer should not be allowed to continue teaching heresy and heterodox theology. I wish all Catholics had the courage to do what you have done. There are too many rogue theologians within the Church today, and they get away with all sorts because people are often too afraid to speak up and defend the truth. I really commend you for taking the actions you did, and I sincerely hope all goes well.

 

[joseph_virgen]

heres what i do not understand. you are being taught TRUTH, correct? what is more important, a grade or the state of your soul? when the Holy Spirit let you know that something was amis, why did you not listen and give voice to that concern? why the wait?

perhaps you are not ready to confront the enemy----------alone.

work to that end, and the next time he says something that is contrary to the Faith, you will not let his words go unchallenged.